Volvo to field test trucks with new DME fueled engines
Late next year, Volvo will start field testing 14 trucks fueled with dimethyl ether, a biomass-derived fuel. DME is produced by gasification of biomass materials, with the syngas converted to a fuel through a catalytic process. The Volvo development program is being paid for in part by the Swedish Energy Agency and the European 7th framework program. DME evidently works well as fuel in diesel engines but offers much lower particulate and NOx emissions. There are however issues that need to be addressed. DME has poor lubricity compared to conventional diesel and is stored similar to liquified petroleum gas in low pressure storage tanks at about 5 BAR. The field tests are part of a European program that will also look at DME distribution and storage. The field testing in Sweden will occur over a three year period.
[Source: Newspress.co.uk]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joce03 4:42PM (7/10/2008)
To Sam Abuelsamid: Do you know if DME can be produced from any biomass? Or are we talking about using food crops to power our vehicles?
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Andrew 1:09PM (7/11/2008)
They have biomass and fuel production sites in Sweden using trees (amongst other things). At least one site uses the cellulose to ethanol process.
Forestry is big in Sweden as well so it's a smart way to produce energy and grow your economy.
In fact Sweden is one of the leading countries in the world in this field. You can read more about some of the projects at biogasmax.eu (an EU project).
James Sonne 7:21PM (7/10/2008)
Is that Dimethyl Ether, by chance? If so, I hope they don't drive by any pregnant women, or you're looking at renaming that street to Miscarriage Dr. Hopefully I'm incorrect.
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Amelia 2:59PM (7/30/2008)
We are one of the only suppliers of fuel systems for DME vehicles. It is exciting to watch as the world hurries to find a solution. www.altfueltechnology.com
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